Computing-scale.



R. A. FORBES.

COMPUTING SCALE.

APPLIGATION FILED SEPT 21. 1909.

962,332, Patented June 21,1910.

- 21 4% M Q C7 m ROBERT A. FORBES, OF ANDERSCN, INDIANA.

COMPUTING-SCALE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented J nne 21 1910.

- Application filed scptember 21, 1909. Serial No. 518,755.

To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, ROBERT A. FORBES, "a citizen of the United States, residing at Anderson, in the county of Madison and State of Indiana, have invented new.and useful Improvements in Computingscales,

. of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to computing scales of that type in which thehand or pointer is pivotally mounted upon an indicator arm movable in an arcuate path, the object of the invention being to provide simple and effective means for maintainingv the pointer in a perpendicular position at all. points in its path of movement and at the same time preventing oscillation or vibration thereof when it reaches indicating position.

The invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference bein had to the accompanying drawings, in w ich Figure'l is aIfront View of the indicating vportion of a computing scale embodying my invention, the casing being partially broken away to show the interior construction. Fig. 2 is a vertical front to rear section through the same. Fig. 3 is a transverse section throu h the pointer support.

Re erring to the drawing, 1 designates casing or housing of the indicating mechanism of the scale, within which is arranged a computing drum or scale 2, the figures upon which are adapted to be disclosed for observation through a transparent panel 3 in the front wall of the casing. Above the panel 3 the casing is also provided with a transparent panel 4 bearing a value-inpounds scale.

Arranged within the lower portion of the casing is a rock shaft 5 provided with a crank a m 6 which is connected by a rod 7 with the weighing mechanism of the scale, not shown, whereby motion is transmitted to said shaft; The shaft is also provided with an indicator arm 8 extending upwardly within the casing and movable in an are from side to side thereof below the computing-drum 2.

Arranged at the upper end of'the arm 8 is a right angnlarly extending forwardly projecting pivot pin or trunnion 9 on which s mounted an oscillatory support 10 which carries the indicator hand or pointer 11, which pointer extends upwardly in rear of the panels 3 and 4 and between the panel 3 and drum 2 and is designed to move across the casing and longitudinally of the priceper-pound scale to coiiperate with the figures thereon.

The support 10is hollow, preferably comprising a box or receptacle containing a body 12 of water or other suitable fluid, operated by gravity'to maintain the support in a horizontal position as the arm 8 swings, so that the pointer 11 will be held in a perpendicular position to accurately register with the numerals or graduations of the price-per-pound scale irrespective of the angular position of the'indicator arm at any point in its path-of-movemcnt.

In order to prevent vibration or oscillation of the pointer on its pivotal support, a blade, vane, wing or plane 13 is arranged between the :bOX lO and depends into the body of water or fluid 12, said blade being preferably inserted at its upper end within a groove or slot in they pivot pin 9 ZlIltlSB- cured thereto by rivets or other suitable fastenings 14. This blade is therefore fixed to move with the indicator arm 8 and acts in conjunction with the body of fluid 10 to oppose a resistance to any sudden or too violent movement of the box or pointer, thus adapting them to swing gradually on the pivot pin and to a sufiicicnt extent only to,

maintain a perpendicular position of the pointer. The'body of water also acting on the vane pposes a resistance to prevent oscillation of the bog: and pointer on the rivet when the indicator arm comes to a stop.

From the foregoing description, the construction, mode of use and advantages of my improved indicator will be readily understood, and it will be seen that the fluid and vane operate a dash pot to control the movements of the pointer, thus securing accuracy in registration and avoiding the uncertainties liable to be produced when the pointer oscillates on its pivot. The same principle of construction may be employed in scales of any character using the same general combination of elements.

I claim 1. In an indicator, an indicator arm movable in an arcuate path, a hollow support pivotally mounted upon said arm, a pointer carried by the support, a fluid pressure controlled means contained within the supportfor limiting the oscillatory movement. thereof.

2. In an indicator, an indicator, arm movable in an arcuate path, a hollow supportpivotally mounted' thereon, a pointer carried by said support, a body of fluid within the support, and means carried by the arm able in an areuate path, a pivot pin project v ing laterally from said arm, a hollow-support pivotally mounted upon said pin, a'

pointer carried by said support, a' body of 20 fluid within the support anda' vane or wing secured to the pivot pin and projecting into said column 0 fluid for cooperation therewith to limit the oscillatory movement of" f said support. f s In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two Witnesses. I

ROBERT A. FORBES.

Witnesses:

D. G. Gunman, JULIA A. Moons. 

